Statement from Danielle

Another in a series of statements from those interested in being officers next year. Please email your responses either to 4n6@sunspark.com or ktopham@d115.org.

I’m Danielle Springer, and I just wanted to give a quick statement addressing my desire to be a forensics captain next year. I have been a member of the team for two years, and it has definitely become one of my biggest commitments in high school. I love being a member, and I feel as if I have built close relationships with many members, including novices as well as the graduating seniors. I have attended every meet possible, including most of the meets this year and all of the meets last year. I really love participating and I would like nothing more than to be a leader next year.

Many of you know me very well, and I am sure you can all agree that I am very organized, driven, and able to handle a leadership position. I have been held many other leadership roles, including ITS and Frosh/Soph play. But I also know that forensics is place for everyone to have fun! I would work to make forensics an enjoyable environment. For example, I felt that novice day this year was very effective. I would make an effort to make sure that all novices feel comfortable joining our tight-knit group at forensics. I feel that I am easy to talk to, and would be able to provide guidance to newcomers. This year I often helped block scripts or edited the speeches of younger members.

If I were a captain next year, I would work to increase attendance and involvement from all members. I would try to make each member feel valued, and also make sure that students do not attend unless their coaches are sure that they are qualified. I know that this idea was implemented this year, but I would make sure that it is taken seriously by all members.

I would also try to establish a “mentoring system” where each new member is paired with a varsity member who can help them choose an event, introduce them to the coaches, and help them select a piece. I think this would really improve our numbers on the team because each newcomer would have a close relationship with someone who “knows the ropes” and would not feel overwhelmed by the team or by the numerous different events. This system would require juniors and seniors to take a more active role, and as a result everyone would have a stronger commitment to the team.

I know that if I were a captain next year, everyone could rely on me. I am organized, committed, and have a lot of new ideas to offer. I hope that everyone on the 2008 team will feel valued, and be able to have a great time. I also hope that next year will be our most competitive and organized. I am definitely looking forward to next season!